Dhaka, Feb 04 (V7N) – Bangladesh's cricketing icon Shakib Al Hasan is set to be dropped from the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) central contract for 2025, marking the end of an era for the star all-rounder. The selectors have reportedly excluded Shakib from their draft contract list due to non-cricketing reasons.

Shakib, who became the face of Bangladesh cricket with his dominance in international cricket, has been a part of the central contract for the past 17 years. However, his omission from the upcoming contract signals a major shift in the national team’s structure.

New Faces in Central Contract

The BCB selectors have finalized a draft list that includes five cricketers under a full-format (Test, ODI, and T20) contract:

  • Nazmul Hossain Shanto
  • Liton Kumar Das
  • Mehedi Hasan Miraj
  • Taskin Ahmed
  • Zaker Ali Anik

Additionally, senior players Mushfiqur Rahim and Nahid Rana have been included under Test and ODI contracts.

Test and Limited-Overs Contract Updates

Four cricketers have been included in the Test-only contract:

  • Mominul Haque
  • Taijul Islam
  • Sadman Islam
  • Khaled Ahmed

For ODI and T20 contracts, the selected players are:

  • Soumya Sarkar
  • Shariful Islam
  • Towhid Hridoy
  • Mostafizur Rahman
  • Tanjid Hasan Tamim
  • Tanjim Hasan Shakib

Meanwhile, Mahmudullah Riyad, who has retired from Test and T20 formats, will remain under the ODI contract. His future with the national team beyond the Champions Trophy remains uncertain.

Hasan Mahmud, who has recently played in all three formats, will be included under a Test and T20 contract instead of a full-format deal.

Changes in T20 Contract

Some notable exclusions have also been made in the T20 category. Nurul Hasan Sohan and Nasum Ahmed, who were part of the last central contract, have been dropped. However, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan will retain his place, and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain is set to join the T20 contract list.

Introduction of a Special Category Contract

For the first time, the BCB is introducing a special contract category for players who are part of the national team setup but have not yet secured a central contract. These players will receive a salary between BDT 1 to 1.25 lakh, which is higher than the national contract but lower than the central contract.

The proposed players for this new category include:

  • Naeem Hasan
  • Zakir Hasan
  • Parvez Emon
  • Mahmudul Hasan Joy
  • Shamim Patwari
  • Nasum Ahmed

End of an Era for Shakib?

Shakib’s exclusion from the central contract marks a significant moment in Bangladesh cricket. While the official reason remains undisclosed, his recent absence from the field due to personal and business-related activities may have influenced the decision.

With Bangladesh cricket moving towards a new era, the 2025 central contract sees the emergence of fresh talents, while some senior players continue to hold key positions in the team. The BCB is expected to finalize and officially announce the contract list soon.

END/MSS/AJ